Tempest of Passion Read Online Free

Ms.
Bunsbury, someone is coming. I don’t think it’s prudent for us to
be standing in the middle of the road.”
    Emily placed
her hands on her hips. “Goodness, Mr. Dalton … we are not doing anything
untoward.” She squinted at the rider that came into view as it
turned the bend in the road. William bit back a snarl of
displeasure as her scent changed into one of delight. “I know that
man.” She raised her hand and waved.
    The rider slowed its horse to an
easy trot as it caught sight of them. William’s nostrils flared as
he caught the scent of wolf. The man atop the animal stopped and
bowed.
    “ Ms. Bunsbury, words cannot
express how pleased I am to see you.”
    “ Mr. Reeves, always such a
gentleman.” Emily offered her hand to the stranger. He took it and
leaned over it with familiarity.
    “ You flatter me, Ms.
Bunsbury.”
    Irked, William cleared his throat
loudly.
    Emily veered around, a slight
pink tinge in her cheeks. “Pardon me, I have not introduced you.
Mr. Reeves, this is Mr. Dalton.”
    William squared his shoulders
and stared down at the other man. It mattered little to him that
the blond was atop a horse. If he were wolf, as he suspected, he’d
know his place in the order of things. Reeves’ welcoming smile
died. Blue eyes searched his face in confusion for a few seconds
before lowering in submission. Satisfied, William stretched his
hand.
    “ Pleased to make your
acquaintance, sir.”
    Reeves took his hand, eyes still
downcast. William shook it firmly. His gaze slid toward Emily. She
looked from one to the other, two lines marring her
forehead.
    “ My pleasure, Mr. Reeves. How
long have you been living in Brookenshire?”
    “ Unfortunately, Mr. Reeves does
not reside in Brookenshire, Mr. Dalton. No amount of begging from
the ladies of the town seems to persuade him to build a home
here.”
    “ Why, Ms. Bunsbury, you
know well that if it were up to me I would never leave
Brookenshire, but who would acquire your fabrics if I remained?” He
winked.
    Emily chuckled.
    “ Have you brought new
produce?” She glanced behind Reeves as if expecting to see a
cart.
    The man laughed good-naturedly.
“The goods are at the shop. I believe you shall favor the green
fabric I have brought from the north, perfect for excursions in the
woods.”
    Emily smiled, the corner of her
eyes crinkling with warmth toward the strange wolf. A sharp ache
traversed William’s chest. Did she care for him?
    “ Always so ingratiating,
Mr.Reeves. I look forward to appraising your produce.”
    “ What were you doing around
this area?”
    “ Mr.
Dalton .”
Emily gawked at him, irritation clear in her wide
eyes.
    “ It is of no consequence, Ms.
Bunsbury. It is not surprising that Mr. Dalton is overly cautious
with strangers. I would be too, if I were accompanying a beautiful
maiden that had recently suffered a fainting spell.”
    Emily pulled her bottom lip between her
teeth and blushed slightly. William thought he heard her mutter
something about rumors.
    “ You can rest assured, sir, I
was coming from a much needed ride with Dolly. Every man enjoys
some time to himself in the solitude of the forest, I believe.” He
scratched his horse behind its ears.
    William narrowed his eyes. A
ride in the woods, after days of travel to reach Brookenshire? He
doubted the other man’s words but decided to remain quiet for the
sake of Emily.
    “ Will you be assisting the
assembly on Saturday, Mr. Reeves?”
    “ I had not intended
to.”
    “ Surely you must, or my cousin
Henrietta would be most disappointed. “
    The
blond man
laughed. “I will try my best, Ms. Bunsbury.” He faced William. His
gaze cast to the floor, his friendly manner vanished, replaced by
deference. “Mr. Dalton, it has been an honor.”
    “ Mr. Reeves.” William paused to
gather his thoughts. “Perhaps, I could call on you this
evening?”
    “ Of course, sir. I shall be glad
to make your acquaintance in more depth. I am staying at the inn.
Good day